Method and System for Powering an Electronic Device

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for providing a power supply to a device, including an inductive rechargeable power supply for a data monitoring and management system in which a high frequency magnetic field is generated to provide power supply to a rechargeable power source such as a battery of a transmitter unit in the data monitoring and management system are provided.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/169,750 filed Jun. 1, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,743,863,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/562,630filed Dec. 5, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,380,971, which is a continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/089,348 filed Nov. 25, 2013, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,933,664, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/611,734 filed Nov. 3, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No.8,593,109, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/396,135 filed Mar. 31, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,620,438, entitled“Method and System for Powering an Electronic Device”, the disclosuresof each of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Analyte, e.g., glucose monitoring systems including continuous anddiscrete monitoring systems generally include a battery powered andmicroprocessor controlled system which is configured to detect signalsproportional to the corresponding measured glucose levels using anelectrometer, and RF signals to transmit the collected data. One aspectof certain glucose monitoring systems include a transcutaneous orsubcutaneous analyte sensor configuration which is, for example,partially mounted on the skin of a subject whose glucose level is to bemonitored. The sensor may use a two or three-electrode (work, referenceand counter electrodes) configuration driven by a controlled potential(potentiostat) analog circuit connected through a contact system.

The analyte sensor may be configured so that at least a portion thereofis placed under the skin of the patient so as to detect the analytelevels of the patient, and another portion of segment of the analytesensor that is in communication with the transmitter unit. Thetransmitter unit is configured to transmit the analyte levels detectedby the sensor over a wireless communication link such as an RF (radiofrequency) communication link. To transmit signals, the transmitter unitrequires a power supply such as a battery. Generally, batteries have alimited life span and require periodic replacement. More specifically,depending on the power consumption of the transmitter unit, the powersupply in the transmitter unit may require frequent replacement, or thetransmitter unit may require replacement (e.g, disposable power supplysuch as disposable battery).

In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to have an approach toprovide a power supply for a transmitter unit in a data monitoring andmanagement system.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, in accordance with the various embodiments ofthe present invention, there is provided a method and apparatus forproviding a power supply to an analyte monitoring system, whereembodiments include an inductive rechargeable power supply for a datamonitoring and management system in which a high frequency magneticfield is generated to provide power supply to a rechargeable powersource such as a battery of a transmitter unit in the data monitoringand management system.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more fully apparent from the following detaileddescription of the embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a data monitoring and managementsystem for practicing one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the transmitter of the data monitoring andmanagement system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a magnetic field generator unit of thereceiver unit configured for providing inductive power recharge in thedata monitoring and management system in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates the magnetic field radiation unit of the serialresonant tank section of the receiver unit shown in FIG. 3 in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the transmitter unit with arechargeable battery configured for inductive recharging in the datamonitoring and management system in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a function illustration of the high frequency powertransformer of the transmitter unit and the receiver unit including themagnetic field generator unit of the data monitoring and managementsystem in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described in accordance with the various embodiments of the presentinvention below, there are provided methods and system for inductivelyrecharging a power source such as a rechargeable battery in anelectronic device such as a data transmitter unit used in datamonitoring and management systems such as, for example, in glucosemonitoring and management systems.

FIG. 1 illustrates a data monitoring and management system such as, forexample, an analyte (e.g., glucose) monitoring system 100 in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention. The subject invention isfurther described primarily with respect to a glucose monitoring systemfor convenience and such description is in no way intended to limit thescope of the invention. It is to be understood that the analytemonitoring system may be configured to monitor a variety of analytes,e.g., lactate, ketones, and the like.

Indeed, analytes that may be monitored include, for example, acetylcholine, amylase, bilirubin, cholesterol, chorionic gonadotropin,creatine kinase (e.g., CK-MB), creatine, DNA, fructosamine, glucose,glutamine, growth hormones, hormones, ketones, lactate, peroxide,prostate-specific antigen, prothrombin, RNA, thyroid stimulatinghormone, and troponin. The concentration of drugs, such as, for example,antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, vancomycin, and the like), digitoxin,digoxin, drugs of abuse, theophylline, and warfarin, may also bemonitored.

The embodiment of glucose monitoring system 100 includes a sensor 101, atransmitter unit 102 coupled to the sensor 101, and a receiver unit 104which is configured to communicate with the transmitter unit 102 via acommunication link 103. The receiver unit 104 may be further configuredto transmit data to a data processing terminal 105 for evaluating thedata received by the receiver unit 104. Moreover, the data processingterminal 105 in one embodiment may be configured to receive datadirectly from the transmitter unit 102 via a communication link 106which may optionally be configured for bi-directional communication. Inaddition, within the scope of the present invention, the receiver unit104 may be configured to include the functions of the data processingterminal 105 such that the receiver unit 104 may be configured toreceive the transmitter data as well as to perform the desired and/ornecessary data processing to analyze the received data, for example.

Only one sensor 101, transmitter unit 102, receiver unit 104, and dataprocessing terminal 105 are shown in the embodiment of the glucosemonitoring system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. However, it will beappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the glucosemonitoring system 100 may include one or more sensor 101, transmitterunit 102, receiver unit 104, and data processing terminal 105, whereeach receiver unit 104 is uniquely synchronized with a respectivetransmitter unit 102. Moreover, within the scope of the presentinvention, the glucose monitoring system 100 may be a continuousmonitoring system, or semi-continuous, or a discrete monitoring system.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor 101 is physicallypositioned in or on the body of a user whose glucose level is beingmonitored. The sensor 101 may be configured to continuously sample theglucose level of the user and convert the sampled glucose level into acorresponding data signal for transmission by the transmitter unit 102.In one embodiment, the transmitter unit 102 is mounted on the sensor 101so that both devices are positioned on the user's body. The transmitterunit 102 may perform data processing such as filtering and encoding ofdata signals, each of which corresponds to a sampled glucose level ofthe user, for transmission to the receiver unit 104 via thecommunication link 103.

In one embodiment, the glucose monitoring system 100 is configured as aone-way RF communication path from the transmitter unit 102 to thereceiver unit 104. In such embodiment, the transmitter unit 102transmits the sampled data signals received from the sensor 101 withoutacknowledgement from the receiver unit 104 that the transmitted sampleddata signals have been received. For example, the transmitter unit 102may be configured to transmit the encoded sampled data signals at afixed rate (e.g., at one minute intervals) after the completion of theinitial power on procedure. Likewise, the receiver unit 104 may beconfigured to detect such transmitted encoded sampled data signals atpredetermined time intervals. Alternatively, the glucose monitoringsystem 100 may be configured with a bi-directional RF (or otherwise)communication between the transmitter unit 102 and the receiver unit104.

Additionally, in one aspect, the receiver unit 104 may include twosections. The first section is an analog interface section that isconfigured to communicate with the transmitter unit 102 via thecommunication link 103. In one embodiment, the analog interface sectionmay include an RF receiver and an antenna for receiving and amplifyingthe data signals from the transmitter unit 102, which are thereafter,demodulated with a local oscillator and filtered through a band-passfilter. The second section of the receiver unit 104 is a data processingsection which is configured to process the data signals received fromthe transmitter unit 102 such as by performing data decoding, errordetection and correction, data clock generation, and data bit recovery.

In operation, the receiver unit 104 is configured to detect the presenceof the transmitter unit 102 within its range based on, for example, thestrength of the detected data signals received from the transmitter unit102 or a predetermined transmitter identification information. Uponsuccessful synchronization with the corresponding transmitter unit 102,the receiver unit 104 is configured to begin receiving from thetransmitter unit 102 data signals corresponding to the user's detectedglucose level. More specifically, the receiver unit 104 in oneembodiment is configured to perform synchronized time hopping with thecorresponding synchronized transmitter unit 102 via the communicationlink 103 to obtain the user's detected glucose level.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the data processing terminal 105 may includea personal computer, a portable computer such as a laptop or a handhelddevice (e.g., personal digital assistants (PDAs)), and the like, each ofwhich may be configured for data communication with the receiver via awired or a wireless connection. Additionally, the data processingterminal 105 may further be connected to a data network (not shown) forstoring, retrieving and updating data corresponding to the detectedglucose level of the user.

Within the scope of the present invention, the data processing terminal105 may include an infusion device such as an insulin infusion pump orthe like, which may be configured to administer insulin to patients, andwhich may be configured to communicate with the receiver unit 104 forreceiving, among others, the measured glucose level. Alternatively, thereceiver unit 104 may be integrated with an infusion device so that thereceiver unit 104 is configured to administer insulin therapy topatients, for example, for administering and modifying basal profiles,as well as for determining appropriate boluses for administration basedon, among others, the detected glucose levels received from thetransmitter unit 102.

Additionally, the transmitter unit 102, the receiver unit 104 and thedata processing terminal 105 may each be configured for bi-directionalwireless communication such that each of the transmitter unit 102, thereceiver unit 104 and the data processing terminal 105 may be configuredto communicate (that is, transmit data to and receive data from) witheach other via a wireless communication link. More specifically, thedata processing terminal 105 may in one embodiment be configured toreceive data directly from the transmitter unit 102 via thecommunication link 106, where the communication link 106, as describedabove, may be configured for bi-directional communication.

In this embodiment, the data processing terminal 105 which may includean insulin pump or the like, may be configured to receive the glucosesignals from the transmitter unit 102, and thus, incorporate thefunctions of the receiver unit 104 including data processing formanaging the patient's insulin therapy and glucose monitoring. In oneembodiment, the communication link 103 may include one or more of an RFcommunication protocol, an infrared communication protocol, a Bluetooth®enabled communication protocol, an 802.11x wireless communicationprotocol, or an equivalent wireless communication protocol which wouldallow secure, wireless communication of several units (for example, perHIPAA requirements) while avoiding potential data collision andinterference.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the transmitter of the data monitoring anddetection system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. Referring to the Figure, the transmitter unit 102in one embodiment includes one or more of the following components. Thetransmitter may include an analog interface 201 configured tocommunicate with the sensor 101 (FIG. 1), a user input 202, and atemperature detection section 203, each of which is operatively coupledto a transmitter processor 204 such as a central processing unit (CPU).As can be seen from FIG. 2, there are provided four contacts, three ofwhich are electrodes—work electrode (W) 210, guard contact (G) 211,reference electrode (R) 212, and counter electrode (C) 213, eachoperatively coupled to the analog interface 201 of the transmitter unit102 for connection to the sensor 101 (FIG. 1). In one embodiment, eachof the work electrode (W) 210, guard contact (G) 211, referenceelectrode (R) 212, and counter electrode (C) 213 may be made using aconductive material that is either printed or etched, for example, suchas carbon which may be printed, or metal foil (e.g., gold) which may beetched.

Further shown in FIG. 2 are a transmitter serial communication section205 and an RF transmitter 206, each of which is also operatively coupledto the transmitter processor 204. Moreover, a power supply 207 such as abattery is also provided in the transmitter unit 102 to provide thenecessary power for the transmitter unit 102. Additionally, as can beseen from the Figure, clock 208 is provided to, among others, supplyreal time information to the transmitter processor 204.

In one embodiment, a unidirectional input path is established from thesensor 101 (FIG. 1) and/or manufacturing and testing equipment to theanalog interface 201 of the transmitter unit 102, while a unidirectionaloutput is established from the output of the RF transmitter 206 of thetransmitter unit 102 for transmission to the receiver unit 104. In thismanner, a data path is shown in FIG. 2 between the aforementionedunidirectional input and output via a dedicated link 209 from the analoginterface 201 to serial communication section 205, thereafter to theprocessor 204, and then to the RF transmitter 206. As such, in oneembodiment, via the data path described above, the transmitter unit 102is configured to transmit to the receiver unit 104 (FIG. 1), via thecommunication link 103 (FIG. 1), processed and encoded data signalsreceived from the sensor 101 (FIG. 1). Additionally, the unidirectionalcommunication data path between the analog interface 201 and the RFtransmitter 206 discussed above allows for the configuration of thetransmitter unit 102 for operation upon completion of the manufacturingprocess as well as for direct communication for diagnostic and testingpurposes.

As discussed above, the transmitter processor 204 is configured totransmit control signals to the various sections of the transmitter unit102 during the operation of the transmitter unit 102. In one embodiment,the transmitter processor 204 also includes a memory (not shown) forstoring data such as the identification information for the transmitterunit 102, as well as the data signals received from the sensor 101. Thestored information may be retrieved and processed for transmission tothe receiver unit 104 under the control of the transmitter processor204. Furthermore, the power supply 207 may include a commerciallyavailable battery.

The power supply section 207 provides power to the transmitter for aminimum amount of time, e.g., about three months of continuous operationafter having been stored for a certain period of time, e.g., abouteighteen months in a low-power (non-operating) mode. It is to beunderstood that the described three month power supply and eighteenmonth low-power mode are exemplary only and are in no way intended tolimit the invention as the power supply may be less or more than threemonths and/or the low power mode may be less or more than eighteenmonths. In one embodiment, this may be achieved by the transmitterprocessor 204 operating in low power modes in the non-operating state,for example, drawing no more than approximately 1 μA of current. Indeed,in one embodiment, during the manufacturing process of the transmitterunit 102, the transmitter unit 102 may be placed in the lower power,non-operating state (i.e., post-manufacture sleep mode). In this manner,the shelf life of the transmitter unit 102 may be significantlyimproved. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, while the power supply unit 207is shown as coupled to the processor 204, and as such, the processor 204is configured to provide control of the power supply unit 207, it shouldbe noted that within the scope of the present invention, the powersupply unit 207 is configured to provide the necessary power to each ofthe components of the transmitter unit 102 shown in FIG. 2.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the power supply section 207 of thetransmitter unit 102 in one embodiment may include a rechargeablebattery unit that may be recharged by a separate power supply rechargingunit (for example, provided in the receiver unit 104 or in a mount towhich the transmitter may be coupled, e.g., for on-body securement) sothat the transmitter unit 102 may be powered for a longer period ofusage time. Moreover, in one embodiment, the transmitter unit 102 may beconfigured without a battery in the power supply section 207, in whichcase the transmitter unit 102 may be configured to receive power from anexternal power supply source (for example, a battery) as discussed infurther detail below.

Referring yet again to FIG. 2, the temperature detection section 203 ofthe transmitter unit 102 is configured to monitor the temperature of theskin near the sensor insertion site. The temperature reading may be usedto adjust the glucose readings obtained from the analog interface 201.The RF transmitter 206 of the transmitter unit 102 may be configured foroperation in the frequency band of about 315 MHz to about 470 MHz, forexample, in the United States. Further, in one embodiment, the RFtransmitter 206 is configured to modulate the carrier frequency byperforming Frequency Shift Keying and Manchester encoding. In oneembodiment, the data transmission rate is 19,200 symbols per second,with a minimum transmission range for communication with the receiverunit 104.

Referring yet again to FIG. 2, also shown is a leak detection circuit214 coupled to the guard contact (G) 211 and the processor 204 in thetransmitter unit 102 of the data monitoring and management system 100.The leak detection circuit 214 in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention may be configured to detect leakage current in thesensor 101 to determine whether the measured sensor data are corrupt orwhether the measured data from the sensor 101 is accurate.

Additional detailed description of the continuous glucose monitoringsystem, its various components including the functional descriptions ofthe transmitter are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,752 issued Jan. 16,2001 entitled “Analyte Monitoring Device and Methods of Use”, and inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/745,878 filed Dec. 26, 2003, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,811,231, entitled “Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systemand Methods of Use”, and elsewhere.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a magnetic field generator unit of thereceiver unit (or other component) configured for providing inductivepower recharge in the data monitoring and management system inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 3, the magnetic field generator unit 300 includes a power sourcesuch as a battery 301 configured to provide DC power to the magneticfield generator unit 300. Also shown in FIG. 3 is a DC to DC conversionunit 302 operatively coupled to the power source 301 and a DC to DCinversion unit 303. The magnetic field generator unit 300 in oneembodiment also includes a pulse generator unit 304 operatively coupledto a level shift unit 305 which is in turn, operatively coupled to anoutput driver unit 306.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the output driver unit 306 is operativelycoupled to a magnetic field radiation section 307 which, as described infurther detail below, may be configured to generate and radiate amagnetic field. Also shown in FIG. 3 is an RF receiver antenna 308 whichis configured to receive data from the transmitter unit 102 (FIG. 1)over the communication link 103 (FIG. 1). Additionally, referring stillto FIG. 3, the RF receiver antenna 308 is operatively coupled to anantenna matching section 309 which in turn, is operatively coupled to anRF detection unit 310 which may be configured to rectify the received RFsignal from the transmitter unit 102 as discussed in further detailbelow. In addition, the RF detection unit 310 as shown in FIG. 3 isoperatively coupled to a triggering threshold unit 311. The triggeringthreshold unit 311 is also operatively coupled to an external triggerswitch 312 and a timer unit 313. In one embodiment, the timer unit 313is operatively coupled to the power source 301 and the DC to DCconversion unit 302, and may be configured to control power supply inthe magnetic field generator unit 300 to preserve power consumption andeffectively conserve the life of the power source 301.

In one embodiment, the power source 301 is configured to provide directcurrent (DC) power supply for the magnetic field generator unit 300 thatis provided in the receiver unit 104 (FIG. 1) of the data monitoring andmanagement system 100. Alternatively, the magnetic field generator unit300 may be incorporated into a separate unit or component and used tocharge the power supply of the transmitter unit 102.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the DC to DC conversion unit 302 in oneembodiment includes a step up DC to DC converter which is configured toboost the voltage level of the power source 301 to a higher positive DCvoltage for the pulse generator unit 304, the level shift unit 305, andthe output driver unit 306. The DC to DC inversion unit 303 in oneembodiment may include a step up DC to DC inverter configured to boostthe positive DC voltage received from the DC to DC conversion unit 303to a negative DC voltage to increase signal swing dynamic range betweenthe positive and negative power supply rails for the level shift unit305 and the output drive unit 306.

Referring still to FIG. 3, the pulse generator unit 304 in oneembodiment includes a square wave generator and configured to generatesquare wave signals from, for example, approximately 100 KHz toapproximately 1 MHz and to provide the generated square wave signals tothe level shift unit 305. The frequency range specified above may varydepending upon the specific component used and other designconsiderations. With the received square wave signals, the level shiftunit 305 in one embodiment is configured to convert the positive squarewave signals into corresponding positive and negative swing square wavesignals with doubled voltage amplitude, which is provided to the outputdrive unit 306. The output drive unit 306, in turn, is configured todrive the magnetic field radiation section 307 by applying the fullswing square wave signals from the level shift unit 305. In oneembodiment, as discussed in further detail below in conjunction withFIG. 4, the magnetic field radiation section 307 includes a serialinductor-capacitor (LC) resonance circuit that may include tuningcapacitors and multilayered printed circuit board (PCB) core coilinductor.

Referring yet again to FIG. 3, the RF receiver antenna 308 in oneembodiment is configured to receive the RF signals from the transmitterunit 102 (which may be associated with monitored or detected analytelevels received from the sensor 101 (FIG. 1)). In one embodiment, theresonance frequency of the RF receiver antenna 308 may be tuned at thesame frequency of the RF carry signal from the transmitter unit 102. Theantenna matching circuit 309 is configured to receive the RF signalsfrom the RF receiver antenna 308, and to deliver the received energyfrom the RF receiver antenna 308 to the RF detection unit 310. In oneaspect, the RF detection unit 310 may be configured to use a zero biasor biased RF Schottkey barrier diode to rectify the amplitude envelopeof the received RF signals from the RF receiver antenna 308.

Referring yet still to FIG. 3, the rectified signal from the RFdetection unit 310 is provided to the triggering threshold unit 311which, in one embodiment includes a voltage comparator that compares thesignal amplitude level of the rectified signal from the RF detectionunit 310 and a reference voltage. Thereafter, the triggering thresholdunit 311 in one embodiment is configured to switch the output of thetriggering threshold unit 311 to low logical level when the signal levelfrom the RF detection unit 310 exceeds the reference voltage. Similarly,an external trigger switch 312 may be provided which is configured topull down the output voltage of the triggering threshold unit 311 to alow logical level when the external trigger switch 312 is activated. Inone embodiment, the external trigger switch 312 is provided to allow theuser to manually turn on the magnetic field generator unit 300.

The triggering threshold unit 311 may be coupled to the timer unit 313which in one embodiment includes a mono-stable timer, and may beconfigured to be triggered by the triggering threshold unit 311 to turnon or turn off the magnetic field generator 300 automatically andconserve the battery life of the power source 301. More specifically, inone embodiment, the timer unit 313 may be programmed to a time periodthat is longer than one time interval between two received RF signalsfrom the transmitter unit 102, but which is shorter than two timeintervals, such that the magnetic field generator unit 300 is configuredto be turned on continuously when the RF signals are received by the RFreceiver antenna 308.

In this manner, in one embodiment of the present invention, the magneticfield generator unit 300 may be configured to inductively charge therechargeable power source of the transmitter unit 102 (FIG. 1). Morespecifically, when the transmitter unit 102 is positioned in closeproximity to the magnetic field generator unit 300 (for example,incorporated into the receiver unit 104), the magnetic field generatorunit 300 may be configured to activate automatically or manuallydepending upon the transmitter unit 102 transmission status.

That is, in one embodiment, when the transmitter unit 102 istransmitting RF signals, these signals received by the receiver unit 104including the magnetic field generator unit 300 will activate themagnetic field generator unit 300 as described above by the RF receiverantenna 308 providing the received RF signals to the RF detection unit310 via the antenna matching section 309. The rectified amplitudeenvelope signals from the RF detection unit 310 is then configured topull down the output voltage of the triggering threshold unit 311 to alow logical level. The low logical level starts the mono stable timerunit 313, which turns on the DC to DC conversion unit 302 for the pulsegenerator unit 304, the level shift unit 305, and the output drive unit306 to generate the magnetic field which is then used to inductivelyrecharge the power source in the transmitter unit 102.

In this manner, the RF signal transmission from the transmitter unit 102in one embodiment is configured to maintain the magnetic field generatorunit 300 to continuously generate the magnetic field, or alternatively,the trigger switch 312 may be activated to manually trigger the magneticfield generator unit 300 to continuously generate the magnetic field toinductively recharge the power supply of the transmitter unit 102.

FIG. 4 illustrates the magnetic field radiation section 307 shown inFIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.Referring to FIG. 4, the magnetic field radiation section 307 of FIG. 3in one embodiment includes a flexible ferrite layer 410 having disposedthereon an adhesive layer 420 on which, there is provided multilayeredPCB core coil inductor 430. In this manner, when the magnetic fieldgenerator unit 300 (FIG. 3) is activated, the magnetic field 440 isgenerated as shown by the directional arrows in FIG. 4. The flexibleferrite layer 410 increases the permeability of the PCB core coilinductor 430 by confining the bottom magnetic field in close proximityto the magnetic field radiation section 307. For a given coil inductor,the inductance is proportional to the permeability of the core material.Furthermore, since Q factor of the inductor is proportional toinductance of the inductor, in one embodiment, the Q factor andinductance of the multilayered PCB core coil inductor 430 are increasedby the presence of the flexible ferrite layer 410. Moreover, theresonance voltage and current developed on the multilayered PCB corecoil inductor 430 is proportional to the Q factor. The magnetic fieldis, therefore, enhanced.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the transmitter unit with arechargeable battery configured for inductive recharging in the datamonitoring and management system in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, the transmitter unit 102with inductive power recharge capability includes an antenna 501 whichin one embodiment includes a parallel resonant loop antenna configuredto resonate at the same frequency as the magnetic field generated by themagnetic field generator unit 300 (FIG. 3). The generated magnetic field440 (FIG. 4) induces a current flow in the antenna 501 of thetransmitter unit 102 when the transmitter unit 102 is positioned inclose proximity to the magnetic field generator unit 300 (for example,when the transmitter unit 102 is placed on top of the magnetic fieldgenerator unit 300). The induced current flow then builds up AC voltageacross the two ends of the loop antenna 501.

Referring back to FIG. 5, also shown is a rectifier unit 502 which, inone embodiment includes a full bridge rectifier, and is configured torectify the AC voltage built up in the loop antenna 501 into acorresponding DC voltage. In turn, a linear DC regulator unit 503 isprovided to convert the varying DC voltage from the rectifier unit 502into a constant voltage which is provided to a battery charging circuit504. The battery charging circuit 504 in one embodiment is configured toprovide a constant charging current to charge a rechargeable battery 505provided in the transmitter unit 102. Accordingly, in one embodiment,the rechargeable battery 505 may be configured to store the energy fromthe battery charging circuit 504 to provide the necessary power to drivethe circuitry and components of the transmitter unit 102.

As shown in FIG. 5, an RF antenna 509 is coupled to an RF transmitter507 which, under the control of a microprocessor 510 is configured totransmit RF signals that are associated with analyte levels monitored bya sensor 101 and processed by an analog front end section 508 which isconfigured to interface with the electrodes of the sensor 101 (FIG. 1).A power supply 506 is optionally provided to provide additional power tothe transmitter unit 102.

FIG. 6 is a function illustration of the high frequency powertransformer of the transmitter unit and the receiver unit including themagnetic field generator unit of the data monitoring and managementsystem in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.Referring to FIG. 6, as can be seen, a high frequency power transformeris formed by the magnetic field radiation section 307 including theflexible ferrite layer 410 with the multilayered PCB core coil inductor430 (for example, as similarly shown in FIG. 4), and a similar flexibleferrite layer 601 with a corresponding multilayered PCB core coilinductor 602 provided in the transmitter unit 102. The multilayered PCBcore coil inductor 602 in one embodiment includes the loop antenna 501,the rectifier unit 502, and the linear DC regulator unit 503. As shown,when the transmitter unit 102 is positioned in close proximity to themagnetic field generator unit 300 of the receiver unit 104, for example,the high frequency power transformer is generated so as to inductivelycharge the rechargeable battery 505 of the transmitter unit 102.

Moreover, referring to FIG. 6, the circuit board 603 is configured inone embodiment to include the electronic components associated with thetransmitter unit 102, for example, as discussed above in conjunctionwith FIGS. 2 and 5, while circuit board 604 is configured in oneembodiment to include the electronic components associated with thereceiver unit 104 including the magnetic field generator unit 300. Forexample, in one embodiment, the circuit board 603 includes the powersupply 506, the RF transmitter 507, the analog front end section 508,the RF antenna 509, and the microprocessor 510 as described above inconjunction with FIG. 5.

In the manner described above, in accordance with the variousembodiments of the present invention, there are provided method andsystem for inductively recharging the power supply such as arechargeable battery of a transmitter unit 102 in the data monitoringand management system 100 using a high frequency magnetic transformerthat is provided on the primary and secondary printed circuit boards603, 604 respectively. Accordingly, a significant reduction in size maybe achieved in the transmitter unit 102 design and configuration whichmay be worn on the patient's body for an extended period of time.Moreover, since the transmitter unit power supply can be rechargedwithout exposing the internal circuitry for example, using a batterycover to periodically replace the battery therein, the transmitter unithousing may be formed as a sealed enclosure, providing water tight seal.

In addition, within the scope of the present invention, the magneticfield generator may be integrated into a flexible arm cuff type devicesuch that the power supply of the transmitter unit 102 may be rechargedwithout being removed from its operating position on the skin of thepatient or user, such that the contact between the electrodes of thesensor 101 and the transmitter unit 102 analog front end section may becontinuously maintained during the active life cycle of the sensor 101.

Accordingly, an apparatus for providing rechargeable power for use in adata communication system in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention includes a power source section including a magneticfield generator unit configured to generate a magnetic field, and arechargeable power section including a rechargeable power supply unit,wherein the rechargeable power supply unit is configured to be rechargedwhen the rechargeable power section is provided in a predeterminedproximity to the generated magnetic field of the power source section.

In one aspect, the power source section and the rechargeable powersection may comprise a power transformer unit, which may include a highfrequency power transformer.

The magnetic field generator unit may include a first coil inductor, andfurther, where the rechargeable power supply unit may include a secondcoil inductor, where also, each of the first and second coil inductorsmay include a plurality of PCB layers.

The rechargeable power section in one embodiment may include a datatransmission unit, and further, wherein the power source sectionincludes a data receiver unit, where the data transmission unit may beconfigured to transmit one or more signals to the data receiver unit inthe rechargeable power section over a wireless communication linkincluding an RF communication link.

In one embodiment, the magnetic field generator unit may be configuredto be controlled by one or more of the transmitted signals from the datatransmission unit.

An apparatus for providing rechargeable power for use in a datacommunication system in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention includes a power source section including a magneticfield generator unit configured to generate a magnetic field, a powersection that is rechargeable provided in a predetermined proximity tothe generated magnetic field of the power source section.

The power section may include a rechargeable power supply unitconfigured to be inductively recharged by the power source section.

In another aspect, a data transmitter unit may be configured to transmitone or more signals associated with an analyte level, the datatransmitter unit including the power section.

In yet another aspect, a data receiver unit may be configured to receiveone or more signals associated with an analyte level, the receiver unitincluding the power source section.

In still another aspect, a glucose monitoring system may be providedincluding a data transmitter unit configured to transmit one or moresignals associated with an analyte level, and a data receiver unitconfigured to receive the one or more signals from the transmitter unit,wherein the transmitter unit includes the power section, and further,where the receiver unit including the power source section.

An analyte monitoring system with rechargeable power supply inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention includes ananalyte sensor at least a portion of which is configured forsubcutaneous placement under a skin layer, the sensor configured todetect an analyte level, a data transmission unit operatively coupled tothe analyte sensor, the data transmission unit configured to transmit aplurality of signals including a signal associated with the detectedanalyte level, the data transmission unit further including arechargeable power supply unit, and a data monitoring unit configured toreceive the signal from the data transmission unit, the data monitoringunit further including a magnetic field generator unit, where therechargeable power supply unit is configured to be recharged by themagnetic field generator unit.

In one aspect, the magnetic field generator unit may be configured toinductively charge the rechargeable power supply unit.

Further, the magnetic field generator unit may include a firstmultilayered coil inductor, and the rechargeable power supply unit mayinclude a second multilayered coil inductor, where a first ferrite layermay be disposed on the first multilayered coil inductor, and a secondferrite layer may be disposed on the second multilayered coil inductor.

Moreover, the magnetic field generator unit may be configured to becontrolled by one or more of the transmitted signals from the datatransmission unit.

In another aspect, the magnetic field generator unit may be configuredto generate a magnetic field, and where the rechargeable power supplyunit may be configured to be recharged by the magnetic field generatorunit when the data transmission unit is positioned in a predeterminedproximity to the magnetic field.

Also, the magnetic field generator unit may be configured to generate apower transformer between the data transmission unit and the datamonitoring unit.

A method of providing rechargeable power supply in accordance with yetanother embodiment of the present invention includes generating amagnetic field, positioning a rechargeable power source within apredetermined distance from the generated magnetic field, andinductively charging the rechargeable power source. In certainembodiments, the method is a method of providing power to a transmitterof a transmitter of an analyte monitoring system.

In one aspect, generating the magnetic field may be triggered by the RFdata transmission detection.

Also, the method may further include manually controlling the step ofgenerating the magnetic field.

Moreover, in a further aspect, the method may also include detecting oneor more analyte levels of a patient, and transmitting one or moresignals associated with the detected one or more analyte levels.

In addition, the method may also include receiving the transmitted oneor more signals, and/or monitoring an analyte level of a patient, wherethe analyte level includes a glucose level.

Various other modifications and alterations in the structure and methodof operation of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in theart without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.Although the invention has been described in connection with specificpreferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention asclaimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. It isintended that the following claims define the scope of the presentinvention and that structures and methods within the scope of theseclaims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: generating a magnetic fieldat a receiver unit during a time period associated with datacommunication between sensor electronics and the receiver unit, whereingenerating the magnetic field is programmed to turn on or turn off onlyduring the time period, and wherein the sensor electronics isoperatively coupled to an analyte sensor in fluid contact withinterstitial fluid, wherein one or more signals are generated by theanalyte sensor and associated with a monitored analyte level;inductively coupling a rechargeable power source of the sensorelectronics when the sensor electronics is placed within a predetermineddistance from the generated magnetic field during the time periodassociated with the data communication; and communicating dataassociated with the monitored analyte level from the sensor electronicsto the receiver unit during the time period.